Author: Angelina Osborne and Patrick Vernon
publisher name: Robinson
ISBN: 9781472147042
100 Great Black Britons by Patrick Vernon and Dr. Angelina Osborne is a landmark book that pays homage to the remarkable achievements of key Black British individuals spanning centuries. Born out of Patrick Vernon's successful 2003 campaign, the book revisits the 100 Great Black Britons initiative, which aimed to highlight the significant contributions of the Black community to British history.
The campaign, founded and run by Patrick Vernon OBE, initiated a public poll allowing people to vote for the Black Briton they admired the most. The response was overwhelming, leading to increased recognition and representation of Black historical figures in various aspects of British society, including education and public spaces. The book features an updated list of names, portraits, and biographies, shining a light on new role models and previously overlooked individuals.
Each entry in the book delves into the individual's profound impact on British history, challenging the historical oversight and dismissal of their contributions. In the context of contemporary challenges such as the Windrush scandal, Brexit, the rise of right-wing populism, and ongoing inequalities faced by Black communities, the relaunch of this campaign is seen as a crucial step in fostering a sense of pride and belonging for Black individuals in Britain.
